Muscle Relaxant - Definition

Definition

Muscle relaxants are a family of drugs whose administration causes the relaxation of muscles. They are used when a patient's muscles are too tense, hard, and painful and can be administered orally in tablet form or via an injection.

Muscle relaxants can be used to treat cramps and some types of back pain. They may cause certain minor side effects, the most common being drowsiness. It is for this reason that doctors recommend that patients not drive after taking them and that they take them at night, when possible.